One of the most important things when it comes to footwear and finding the right pair for us is the size – however, do you take into consideration the width of the shoe as well while shoe shopping?

Width is one of the biggest problems people have when it comes to improper footwear. A lot of foot pain can arise from improper widths and it’s an easy thing that can be fixed relatively quickly. Different brands and styles come in ranges of width’s anywhere from 2A (very narrow fitting) all the way to a 6E (similar to an Extra, Extra Wide width).

If something is too narrow, you might feel a lot of squeezing and feel uncomfortable very quickly. Narrowing in the toe box of the shoe can also cause ingrown toenails and other nail issues due to the shoe squeezing your toes too hard in the front. You can also experience foot issues from wearing a shoe that’s too wide for you – too much room can cause rubbing and skin irritation. Most people really don’t know the damage that can be done with an ill-fitting shoe – both width-wise and length-wise!

It’s important to keep all these things in mind when shopping for a shoe. There are some brands that don’t come in any different widths, so if you tend to have a wider or even a narrower foot, try and stay away from those specific brands.

Even if you’re not looking for a shoe specifically for stability, stability can come from your footwear when it’s been properly fitted. We are all on our feet constantly, so it is critical to make sure they’re comfortable and ready to take on the day in the proper pair of shoes!

If you’re having trouble figuring out what kind of width you might be looking for, come visit us at your local BioPed. Our clinicians can conduct a full assessment and decide what’s best for you by conducting our Best Fit Process. Once we know what kind of footwear you’re looking for, what kind of activities you may be using them for and how often you may be on your feet – they’ll be able to size you appropriately while letting you know what size and width you might want to keep an eye out for.

Want to book an appointment? To book with one of our experts or to learn more – you can call, email or visit your local BioPed clinic today!

Written By: Alina Hodkinson BioPed Footcare Oshawa